Gao/Bugotu Constituency has set out six key priority programs and projects in its 2015-2018 Constituency Development Plan, passed during the forum held at Lepi village from July 29-31.
They include Environment Protection, Income and Employment, Support to General Cost of Living, Support to Social Services, Administration and Capacity Building and Economic and Social Infrastructure Development.
In Environment Protection, it will involve projects and activities that will target the protection of endangered species, protection of mangroves and ecosystems that are being threatened by commercial activities like logging,, mining, fishing, and extractive industries.
For the Income and Employment it will focus on projects and programs that will result in creating employment opportunities, encouraging individuals and private sector to start sustainable business, food processing, wholesale retails, hotel investment, rehabilitation of cocoa, copra and cattle, coconut oil production, mini cannery, eco tourism, fishery, Agriculture and forestry investments.
In terms of Support to General Cost of Living, it consist of projects and activities associated with assisting constituents and communities particularly on transportation, school fees, church activities, medical assistances, solar, housing scheme and emergency assistance.
Under the Development Plan for Support to Social Services it will focus on education, health, justice and security, sanitations, care for old age, support to disabilities, NGOs and charitable organisation.
On Administration and Capacity, it will focus on constituency reform to ensure vision, mission and goals set out in the development plan are achieved.
Finally on the Economic and Social Infrastructure Development, it will focus on roads, bridges, wharves, airport, telecommunication, water dams, banking services, police station, Fisheries College, constituency staff house, constituency office, court house, health centre and mini hospital.
Member of Parliament Samuel Manetoali said the Gao Bugotu Constituency Development Plan is a manifestation of his commitment to his people and the start of a new approach to addressing development issues in the constituency beyond 2015.
“This development plan will largely address the completion ongoing project and programs and start the process of planning and mapping the direction of the constituency endeavours,” he said.
Manetoali said this development plan will go through transition in preparation for proper planning which should become available in 2016.
He assured the communities in his constituency that he is committed to lead the constituency and the province to a better and safe future through their support.
By CHARLES KADAMANA
